Successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research Articles

Upregulation of hemeoxygenase enzymes HO-1 and HO-2 following ischemia-reperfusion injury in connection with experimental cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Neuroprotective effects of methylene blue.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in neuronal injuries after cardiac arrest. Increased production of carbon monoxide (CO) by the enzyme hemeoxygenase (HO) in the brain is induced by the oxidative stress. HO is present in the CNS in two isoforms, namely the inducible HO-1 and the constitutive HO-2. Elevated levels of serum HO-1 occurs in cardiac arrest patients and upregulation of HO-1 in cardiac arrest is seen in the neurons. However, the role of HO-2 in cardiac arrest is not well known. In this review involvement of HO-1 and HO-2 enzymes in the porcine brain following cardiac arrest and resuscitation is discussed based on our own observations. In addition, neuroprotective role of methylene blue- an antioxidant dye on alterations in HO under in cardiac arrest is also presented. The biochemical findings of HO-1 and HO-2 enzymes using ELISA were further confirmed by immunocytochemical approach to localize selective regional alterations in cardiac arrest. Our observations are the first to show that cardiac arrest followed by successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation results in significant alteration in cerebral concentrations of HO-1 and HO-2 levels indicating a prominent role of CO in brain pathology and methylene blue during CPR followed by induced hypothermia leading to superior neuroprotection after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), not reported earlier.

Barriers to the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the perspective of Iranian nurses: A qualitative content analysis

BackgroundThe survival rate following Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has been reported to be 7–26.7%. Various studies have shown that CPR failure is high in many countries. This study was aimed to explore the barriers to the success of CPR from the perspective of Iranian nurses. MethodsParticipants were 14 Iranian nurses recruited through purposive sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. ResultsThe barriers to successful CPR were developed in three main categories and nine subcategories. Some of the barriers to CPR success were: “delayed attendance of the CPR team and start of CPR”, “inadequate experience and skill of the CPR team”, “poor access to special units”, “insufficient and deficient CPR equipment”, “poor CPR location”, “critical clinical conditions of the patient”, and “interference of the patient’s family members. ConclusionThe results showed that human and environmental factors can result in CPR failure. These barriers can be minimized by measures such as empowerment of the CPR team, and providing the necessary facilities and equipment.

Abstract 15905: Monocyte Subsets Predict Mortality After Cardiac Arrest

Background: After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), many patients show signs of an overactive immune activation. Monocytes are a heterogeneous cell population that can be distinguished into three subsets. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to analyse whether monocyte subset distribution is associated with mortality at 6 months in patients after cardiac arrest (CA). Methods: We included 53 patients admitted to our medical intensive care unit (ICU) after CA. Blood was taken on admission and after 72 hours and monocyte subset distribution was analysed by flow cytometry and distinguished into classical monocytes (CD14++CD16-), intermediate monocytes (CD14++CD16+CCR2+) and non-classical monocytes (CD14+CD16++CCR2-). Results: Median age was 64.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 49.8-74.3) years and 75.5% were male. Six-month mortality was 50.9% and survival with good neurological outcome was 37.7%. Monocyte subset distribution upon admission to the ICU did not differ according to survival. However, patients who died within 6 months showed a more pronounced increase in the pro-inflammatory subset of intermediate monocytes (8.3% (3.8-14.6)% vs. 4.1% (1.5-8.2)%; p=0.025), and a decrease of classical monocytes (87.5% (79.9-89.0)% vs. 90.8% (85.9-92.7)%; p=0.036) 72 hours after admission. In addition, intermediate monocytes were predictive of outcome independent of time to ROSC and witnessed cardiac arrest, and correlated with the cerebral performance category (CPC)-score at 6 months (R=0.32; p=0.043). Discussion: Monocyte subset distribution is associated with outcome in patients surviving a CA. The activation of the innate immune system may play a significant role in CA patients.

Abstract 244: Preliminary Results on Angiotensin II as a Novel Vasopressor in Modeled Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Introduction: The PARAMEDIC2-trial reported a higher survival rate comparing standard epinephrine treatment with placebo, but severe neurologic impairment was found more often in patients who received epinephrine. Angiotensin II (AT2) has been recently authorized by FDA and EMA to treat distributive shock in adults. It is not approved as a vasopressor in the treatment of cardiac arrest (CA) and has not been studied in a standardized model of out-of hospital cardiac arrest with subsequent guideline-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before. Hypothesis: AT2 administration during CPR will 1. result in higher rates for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after modeled out-of-hospital CA and 2. will achieve a greater increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) compared to standard epinephrine bolus regimen. Methods: After legal approval (81-02.04.2019A072) and in conformance with the AHA position statement (Circulation 1985; 71:849A), we conducted a prospective, randomized trial in 25 swine weighing 32 to 43.5 kilogram bodyweight (kgBW) under general anesthesia. In 22 swine randomized to intervention groups i) EPI or ii) AT2, ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically and mechanical ventilation was discontinued. After 10 minutes (min) of untreated CA, ventilation was resumed and CPR was performed adapted to current guidelines for up to 56 min. After the third unsuccessful defibrillation (6 min CPR), swine received either i) boluses of epinephrine 0.01 mg/kgBW every 4 min or ii) an initial bolus of AT2 (25 μg/kgBW) followed by continuous infusion at 1 μg/kgBW/min. Three animals served as sham controls and received identical treatment but neither CA nor CPR. Results: ROSC was achieved in 7/22 swine and in 5/20 requiring vasopressors (EPI 1/10 vs. AT2 4/10, n. s.). The initial vasopressor bolus increased MAP significantly more in AT2 compared to EPI (p = 0.03). However, this could not be maintained under continuous infusion of AT2. Conclusions: For the first time, we have demonstrated the feasibility of successful guideline-based CPR using AT2 as sole vasopressor. But still, questions such as the optimal dosage remain. We strongly encourage larger trials to investigate this newly available drug also for the treatment of CA.

Monocyte subsets predict mortality after cardiac arrest

Abstract Background After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), many patients show signs of an overactive immune activation. Monocytes are a heterogenous cell population that can be distinguished into three subsets. Purpose The aim of this prospective, observational study was to analyze whether monocyte subset distribution is associated with mortality at 6 months in patients after cardiac arrest. Methods We included 53 patients admitted to our medical ICU after cardiac arrest. Blood was taken on admission and monocyte subset distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry and distinguished into classical monocytes (CM; CD14++CD16-), intermediate monocytes (IM; CD14++CD16+CCR2+) and non-classical monocytes (NCM; CD14+CD16++CCR2-). Results Median age was 64.5 (IQR 49.8–74.3) years and 75.5% of patients were male. Mortality at 6 months was 50.9% and survival with good neurological outcome was 37.7%. Of interest, monocyte subset distribution upon admission to the ICU did not differ according to survival. However, patients that died within 6 months showed a strong increase in the pro-inflammatory subset of intermediate monocytes (8.3% (3.8–14.6)% vs. 4.1% (1.5–8.2)%; p=0.025), and a decrease of classical monocytes (87.5% (79.9–89.0)% vs. 90.8% (85.9–92.7)%; p=0.036) 72 hours after admission. In addition, intermediate monocytes were predictive of outcome independent of initial rhythm and time to ROSC and correlated with the CPC-score at 6 months (R=0.32; p=0.043). Discussion Monocyte subset distribution is associated with outcome in patients surviving a cardiac arrest. This suggests that activation of the innate immune system may play a significant role in patient outcome after cardiac arrest. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): FWF - Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung

Oral ingestion of lidocaine for suicide: A case report

Objective: Systemic toxemia with topical anesthetics could be fatal due to the use of anesthetics in various ways (oral, intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous). Nowadays, topical anesthetics are used in inpatient and outpatient treatments. Despite its widespread usage, many physicians are not fully aware of the deadly side effects of lidocaine poisoning and its treatment. The objective of this case report is to highlight the diagnosis and treatment of lidocaine toxicity. Case Presentation: A 21-year-old woman with a history of multiple suicide attempts ingested approximately three 10% w/w lidocaine sprays. The patient was brought to the emergency department of Imam Reza hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Science with cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). She stayed in ICU for 2 days and we administered dobutamine drip and intravenous lipid emulsion for her then she was transferred to the general ward. We discharged her after 8 days. Conclusion: Using BCLS and ACLS in case of cardiac arrest and administration of Lipid Emulsion with proper dosage are recommended treatments for lidocaine toxicity.

Monocyte subsets predict mortality after cardiac arrest.

After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), many patients show signs of an overactive immune activation. Monocytes are a heterogeneous cell population that can be distinguished into 3 subsets by flow cytometry (classical monocytes [CM: CD14++CD16‐], intermediate monocytes [IM: CD14++CD16+CCR2+] and non‐classical monocytes [NCM: CD14+CD16++CCR2‐]). Fifty‐three patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac arrest were included. Blood was taken on admission and after 72 h. The primary endpoint of this study was survival at 6 months and the secondary endpoint was neurological outcome as determined by cerebral performance category (CPC)‐score at 6 months. Median age was 64.5 (49.8‐74.3) years and 75.5% were male. Six‐month mortality was 50.9% and survival with good neurological outcome was 37.7%. Monocyte subset distribution upon admission to the ICU did not differ according to survival. Seventy‐two hours after admission, patients who died within 6 months showed a higher percentage of the pro‐inflammatory subset of IM (8.3% [3.8‐14.6]% vs. 4.1% [1.5–8.2]%; P = 0.025), and a lower percentage of CM (87.5% [79.9–89.0]% vs. 90.8% [85.9–92.7]%; P = 0.036) as compared to survivors. In addition, IM were predictive of outcome independent of time to ROSC and witnessed cardiac arrest, and correlated with CPC‐score at 6 months (R = 0.32; P = 0.043). These findings suggest a possible role of the innate immune system in the pathophysiology of post cardiac arrest syndrome.

Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation During Cesarean Delivery in a Patient With D-Transposition of the Great Vessels, Years Following Mustard Operation

Patients with surgically repaired complex congenital cardiac anomalies present unique characteristics that can make the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support especially challenging. Very few series have reported the outcomes of ECMO support during pregnancy and peripartum. We report a case of successful extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation during cesarean delivery in a patient with surgically repaired d-transposition of the great arteries, and we discuss particular aspects that contributed to successful implementation of ECMO support and hospital discharge.

Comparison of different resuscitation methods with regard to injury patterns in cardiac arrest survivors based on computer tomography

PurposeTo ensure that patients survive cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed. However, the procedure itself can lead to severe injuries. This study aims to examine both possibilities of resuscitation - mechanical or manual - with regard to their risk of injury. To this end, we compare the injuries patterns in both groups of patients after successful resuscitation based on computer tomography (CT). MethodsThis single-centre retrospective study included 32 patients (female: 21.87 %, male: 78.12 %, Mean age: 60.22 ± 13.93 years) with cardiac arrest followed by successful mechanical CPR, who underwent an early whole-body CT. A control group of 32 patients (female: 21.87 %, male: 78.12 %, mean age: 60.75 ± 13.34 years) that had been resuscitated successfully with manual CPR was matched according to gender and age for a better statistical comparison. Patients with cardiac arrest due to trauma were excluded from the study population. ResultsMechanically resuscitated patients showed significantly more CPR-related injuries than those who were resuscitated manually (100 % vs. 84.37 %; p = 0.02). In particular, dislocated rib fractures (40.47 vs. 23.80 mean rank, p < 0.01), sternal fractures (74.19 % vs. 25 %; p < 0,01), bleeding complications (29.03 % vs. 3.12 %; p = 0.01), pneumothorax (38.71 % vs. 9.37 %; p = 0.01), mediastinal haematomas (58.01 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.01) and liver lacerations (29.03 % vs. 0 %, p = 0.04) were observed significantly more in patients after mechanical CPR compared to those with manual resuscitation. ConclusionsThe guideline-based use of mechanical CPR results in a significant increase of internal and musculoskeletal injuries compared to manual CPR.

Gastric regurgitation predicts neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury can affect and disturb the autonomous nervous system (ANS), which regulates various visceral systems including the gastro-intestinal and emetic system. The present study aimed to analyze the predictive value of gastric regurgitation (GReg) for neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. In this prospective, single-center study, 79 OHCA survivors treated at a university-affiliated tertiary care centre were included and GReg was measured at the first day after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Neurological outcome was assessed by the Cerebral Performance Categories score at discharge. Seventy-six percent of the study population had a poor neurological outcome. GReg was found to be associated with poor neurological outcome with an adjusted OR of 5.37 (95% CI 1.41–20.46; p = 0.01). The area under the ROC curve for GReg was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56–0.81) for poor neurological outcome. GReg on the first day after OHCA is an early, strong and independent predictor for poor neurological outcome in comatose OHCA survivors. These results are particularly compelling because measurement of GReg is inexpensive and routinely performed in critical care units.

Nursing facility residents’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation decisions

As many as one-quarter of all residents in nursing facilities have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as a documented choice in the medical record, despite the likelihood of limited medical benefit in this setting. The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers and nursing facility residents regarding CPR decisions. We used qualitative interviews to examine the perspectives of residents with a documented decision for CPR in the medical record. We then compared residents' views with those of healthcare providers who routinely conduct advance care planning (ACP) conversations in the nursing facility setting. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (a) Resident versus Provider Concerns, (b) Offering Information versus Avoidance, (c) Lack of Understanding of CPR, (d) Lack of Awareness, and (e) 'Don't Keep Me on Machines'. Residents held misconceptions about CPR and/or exhibited an overall poor understanding of the relationship between their own health status and the likelihood of a successful CPR attempt. Although healthcare providers offer information and health education in an attempt to address knowledge gaps, these efforts are not always successful or even accepted by residents. Resident viewpoints and priorities differed from healthcare providers in ways that affected communication about CPR. Unrecognised differences in perceptions between providers and residents affect key aspects of ACP communication that can impact CPR decision-making. The concerns and priorities of institutionalized older adults may differ from those of healthcare providers, creating challenges for engaging some residents in ACP. ACP communication models and training should be designed not only to explore nursing facility residents' goals, values, and preferences, but also to elicit any underlying differences in perceptions that may affect communication. Healthcare providers can identifying the primary concerns of residents and assist them with integrating or reframing these issues as a part of ACP discussions.

Outcome prediction with resting-state functional connectivity after cardiac arrest

Predicting outcome in comatose patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation is challenging. Our primary aim was to assess the potential contribution of resting-state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) in predicting neurological outcome. RS-fMRI was used to evaluate functional and effective connectivity within the default mode network in a cohort of 90 comatose patients and their impact on functional neurological outcome after 3 months. The RS-fMRI processing protocol comprises the evaluation of functional and effective connectivity within the default mode network. Seed-to-voxel and ROI-to-ROI feature analysis was performed as starting point for a supervised machine-learning approach. Classification of the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1–3 (good to acceptable outcome) versus CPC 4–5 (adverse outcome) achieved a positive predictive value of 91.7%, sensitivity of 90.2%, and accuracy of 87.8%. A direct link to the level of consciousness and outcome after 3 months was identified for measures of segregation in the precuneus, in medial and right frontal regions. Thalamic connectivity appeared significantly reduced in patients without conscious response. Decreased within-network connectivity in the default mode network and within cortico-thalamic circuits correlated with clinical outcome after 3 months. Our results indicate a potential role of these markers for decision-making in comatose patients early after cardiac arrest.

Development a clinical prediction model of the neurological outcome for patients with coma and survived 24 hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BackgroundCardiac arrest is still a global public health problem at present. The neurological outcome is the core indicator of the prognosis of cardiac arrest. However, there is no effective means or tools to predict the neurological outcome of patients with coma and survived 24 hours after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).HypothesisTherefore, we expect to construct a prediction model to predict the neurological outcome for patients with coma and survived 24 hours after successful CPR.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was used to construct a prediction model of the neurological function for patients with coma and survived 24 hours after successful CPR. From January 2007 to December 2015, a total of 262 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsThe predictive model was developed using preselected variables by a systematic review of the literature. Finally, we get five sets of models (three sets of construction models and two sets of internal verification models) which with similar predictive value. The stepwise model, which including seven variables (age, noncardiac etiology, nonshockable rhythm, bystander CPR, total epinephrine dose, APTT, and SOFA score), was the simplest model, so we choose it as our final predictive model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity of the stepwise model were respectively 0.82 (0.77, 0.87), 0.72and 0.82. The AUC, specificity, and sensitivity of the bootstrap stepwise (BS stepwise) model were respectively 0.82 (0.77, 0.87), 0.71, and 0.82.ConclusionThis new and validated predictive model may provide individualized estimates of neurological function for patients with coma and survived 24 hours after successful CPR using readily obtained clinical risk factors. External validation studies are required further to demonstrate the model's accuracy in diverse patient populations.

Success Rate and Predictors of Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at the Emergency Room in a University Hospital

Objective: To determine the success rates of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and identify the predictors of successful CPR at the emergency room (ER) at a university-based hospital. Materials and Methods: Adult patients that experienced cardiac arrest and received CPR at the ER were prospectively observed. The primary outcomes were the rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, survival to hospital discharge, and discharge with good neurological outcome. The secondary outcome was to determine the predictors of ROSC. Results: One hundred twenty-nine adult patients were enrolled in the study. The success rates of CPR were ROSC 41.9%, survived to hospital admission 34.1%, survived to hospital discharge 8.5%, and discharged with a good neurologic outcome 3.9%. From multiple logistic regression, the predicting factors for ROSC were cardiac arrest at the ER (odds ratio [OR] 4.89, 95% CI 1.90 to 12.55; p&lt;0.001) and cardiac arrest during morning shift (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.34; p=0.031). Conclusion: The success rates of the CPR outcomes were good. Cardiac arrest at the ER and arrest during the daytime were predicting factors for ROSC. Keywords: Adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Cardiac arrest, Emergency room

Usefulness of the NULL-PLEASE Score to Predict Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

PurposeOut-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) carries a very high mortality rate even after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Currently, information given to relatives about prognosis following resuscitation is often emotive and subjective, and varies with clinician experience. We aimed to validate the NULL-PLEASE score to predict survival following OHCA. MethodsA multicenter cohort study was conducted, with retrospective and prospective validation in consecutive unselected patients presenting with OHCA. The NULL-PLEASE score was calculated by attributing points to the following variables: Nonshockable initial rhythm, Unwitnessed arrest, Long low-flow period, Long no-flow period, pH <7.2, Lactate >7.0 mmol/L, End-stage renal failure, Age ≥85 years, Still resuscitation, and Extracardiac cause. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. ResultsWe assessed 700 patients admitted with OHCA, of whom 47% survived to discharge. In 300 patients we performed a retrospective validation, followed by prospective validation in 400 patients. The NULL-PLEASE score was lower in patients who survived compared with those who died (0 [interquartile range 0-1] vs 4 [interquartile range 2-4], P < .0005) and strongly predictive of in-hospital death (C-statistic 0.874; 95% confidence interval, 0.848-0.899). Patients with a score ≥3 had a 24-fold increased risk of death (odds ratio 23.6; 95% confidence interval, 14.840-37.5; P < .0005) compared with those with lower scores. A score ≥3 has a 91% positive predictive value for in-hospital death, while a score <3 predicts a 71% chance of survival. ConclusionThe easy-to-use NULL-PLEASE score predicts in-hospital mortality with high specificity and can help clinicians explain the prognosis to relatives in an easy-to-understand, objective fashion, to realistically prepare them for the future.

Resuscitation - practical implementation of guidelines and standards in the hospital

Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) requiring cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains a mojor public health concern. OHCA affects nearly 275 000 people in Europe annualy with more than 70 000 of those in Germany alone. It represents of the major causes of death in Europe.In 40 % of patients CPR is successful and leads to a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Due to the relevance of OHCA and CPR detailed guidelines with sound scientific foundation exist. However, even after successful CPR, mortality and morbidity remain high due to the severity of underlying diseases and sequelae of OHCA and CPR itself. Thus, optimization of the initial CPR treatment with reducing overall no-flow time (time from collaps with cardiac arrest to start of CPR) and optimization and streamlining of treatment algorithms and quality in hospitals receiving patients after cardiac arrest have been a strong focus to improve overall survival. Current guidelines suggest creation of Cardiac Arrest Centers as specialized hospitals who focus on high quality of post-resuscitation care with standardized processes and interdisciplinary treatment of patients after OHCA to establish fast, secure and effective treatment that is widely available in all regions.This article will address the relevant items to be considered in daily practice of resuscitation and post-resuscitation care for cardiac arrest.

Time selection and course of treatment of cerebral resuscitation with hyperbaric oxygen

To explore the effect of treatment opportunity and course of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the curative effect of cerebral resuscitation patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Eighty-nine patients who underwent cerebral resuscitation after CPR admitted to the second department of the First Hospital of Jilin University from June 2015 to June 2019 were enrolled. All patients underwent conventional drug therapy after admission, and HBO therapy was added on the basis of conventional drug therapy at different intervention times, and all patients received at least 3 courses of HBO treatment. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) score on different treatment opportunity (i.e. intervention of HBO within 12 hours, 12-72 hours, 4-7 days, 8-21 days after successful CPR) and different course of HBO (i.e. 1, 2 and 3 courses of treatment) were recorded. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to assess whether the treatment opportunity or course of treatment affects the GCS score and aEEG score. Then, paired sample t test was used to further analyze the results of repeated measurement analysis of variance and evaluate the specific effect of treatment course or intervention time on the efficacy. A total of 89 patients were enrolled. 8, 20, 33 and 28 patients started HBO treatment at < 12 hours, 12-72 hours, 4-7 days and 8-21 days after successful CPR. (1) GCS score: repeated measurement analysis of variance (the Greenhouse-Geisser correction method was used) showed that the effect of course of HBO treatment on GCS score was statistically significant (F = 71.735, P = 0.000). The interaction between the duration of HBO treatment and the timing of intervention was not statistically significant (F = 0.455, P = 0.817). Paired sample t test showed that the means of GCS scores before HBO treatment and treatment 1, 2, 3 courses were 3.56, 4.80, 5.55 and 6.49 respectively, and the difference of pairwise pairing between different groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). (2) aEEG score: repeated measurement analysis of variance (the Greenhouse-Geisser correction method was used) showed that the effect of course of HBO treatment on aEEG score was statistically significant (F = 96.965, P = 0.000).The interaction between the duration of HBO treatment and the timing of intervention was not statistically significant (F = 1.735, P = 0.112). Paired sample t test showed that the means of aEEG scores before HBO treatment and treatment 1, 2, 3 courses were 1.71, 2.21, 2.52 and 3.03 respectively (all P < 0.01). The effect of HBO on cerebral resuscitation after CPR is obvious. The longer the course of HBO is, the more significant the effect of cerebral resuscitation is. Within 21 days after successful CPR, the treatment opportunity of HBO had no significant effect on the effect of cerebral resuscitation.

Serum tau as a predictor for neurological outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

AimWe evaluated serum tau protein as biomarker for poor neurological outcome over an extended observation period in patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) or normothermia (NT). MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational study including 132 patients after successful CPR. Serum tau was determined in 24 h intervals for up to 168 h after CPR. Patients were treated with MTH targeting a temperature of 33 °C for 24 h or NT according to current guidelines. Neurological outcome was assessed with the Cerebral Performance Categories Scale (CPC) at hospital discharge. ResultsForty-three percent of the patients were treated with MTH. Serial serum tau levels (pg/ml) showed a peak between 72–96 h after CPR (159 (IQR 27–625). Patients with poor neurological outcome (CPC 3–5) at hospital discharge (n = 68) had significantly higher serum tau levels compared to patients with good neurological outcome at 0–24 h (164 (48–946) vs. 69 (12–224); p = 0.009), at 24–48 h (414 (124–1049) vs. 74 (0–215); p < 0.001), at 48–72 h (456 (94–1225) vs. 69 (0–215); p < 0.001) and at 72–96 h (691 (197–1173) vs. 73 (0–170); p < 0.001). At 72–96 h the AUC to predict poor neurological outcome was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.737–0.959). Serum tau levels were not significantly different between patients with MTH and NT in multivariate analysis after adjusting for clinical relevant covariates. ConclusionSerum tau showed highest values and the best prognostic discrimination of poor neurological outcome at 72–96 h after CPR. Prolonged elevation may indicate ongoing axonal damage in patients with hypoxic encephalopathy.

Coronary embolism causing myocardial infarction after heart valve surgery

Introduction. Coronary embolism can rarely be a cause of myocardial infarction. It is usually associated with atrial fibrillation, dilated cardiomyopathy, bacterial endocarditis and underlying hypercoagulable state, as well as heart surgery. Case report. We reported a case of a patient with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, with no underlying coronary artery disease. The patient underwent heart valve surgery, and the immediate postoperative course was uneventful. Five days after the operation, the patient sustained cardiac arrest, which was followed by a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Electrocardiography showed atrial fibrillation with a significant ST segment elevation in the inferior leads. Urgent coronary angiography revealed a total occlusion of the right coronary artery, thus percutaneous coronary intervention was performed, after which flow restoration through the artery was achieved. The patient was discharged with triple antithrombotic therapy on the 20th postoperative day. Conclusion. Heart surgery could be followed by unexpected and potentially fatal complications, coronary embolism being one of them. In such case, the prompt and adequate reaction by the whole medical team is crucial for a patient's survival and recovery.

Safe Motherhood after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Term Pregnancy with Eclampsia: A Maternal Near Miss

Cardiac arrest in a term pregnancy is rare with a survival rate of 15-20% and mortality rate as high as 42%. Eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, haemorrhagic shock, sepsis, pulmonary thromboembolic events, and anaesthetic complications are significant causes of cardiac arrest. We report a rarest case of a young 26-year-old unbooked primigravida, 38+4 weeks gestation with eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, thrombocytopenia with sudden cardiac arrest-A Maternal Near Miss. Prompt resuscitation with obstetric, and anaesthetist specialist team, paved the journey to safe motherhood. An emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) immediately after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was performed. Ventilator support was continued for 72 hours. Successful CPR and immediate caesarean section paved the way to safe motherhood with discharge of healthy mother and baby on 12th post LSCS day. With increasing trends towards high-risk pregnancy and maternal near miss cases, a thorough knowledge in the management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy with advanced resuscitation skills among obstetricians, anaesthetists, and nursing staff is need of the millennium. Repeated simulation learning and mock drills in CPR in pregnancy should be advocated.